Tougher armor recommended for the fight against Ebola

New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for a higher level of protective gear — no exposed skin — to be worn by U.S. health-care workers who are treating Ebola patients. The guidelines recommend an on-site monitor to make sure the gear is put on and removed correctly.

Workers change into scrubs and waterproof footwear and remove all personal items, such as jewelry, watches, pens and cellphones. Jewelry off, boots onDisposable surgical gloves cover the hands. Workers are cautioned to touch as few surfaces as possible and to never touch their faces.Inner glovesThe material is impermeable and waterproof and covers the body from the neck to wrists and ankles. Thumb loops keep sleeves from slipping out of the outer gloves.Isolation coverallsA disposable, particle-filtering N95 respirator should be tightly molded to the face.Respirator maskDisposable boot covers need to be waterproof: and to reach at least as high as mid-calf.Boot coversA single-use surgical hood should completely cover the head and neck. This is a departure from previous recommendations, which allowed skin around the neck to be exposed.A waterproof apron should fall at least to mid-calf. Aprons add a level of protection for people who are working closely with a patient or clean-ing heavily soiled surfaces.A second pair of gloves with extended cuffs should cover the wrists of the gown. Heavy-duty gloves are sometimes used by people who will be transporting patients or cleaning heavily contami-nated surfaces.HoodOuter gloves The guidelines allow for an alternate respirator called a powered air-purifying respira-tor. If this option is chosen, the donning order differs.Face shieldA single-use plastic face shield can be used along with the N-95 mask. The face shield should cover the front and sides of the face as a barrier to liquids, which can be expelled during certain procedures, such as intubation.Optional apronAlternate respirator